'Star Wars' Breakout John Boyega To Star in 'Pacific Rim' Sequel

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' breakout John Boyega will play the lead in the 'Pacific Rim' sequel.

Boyega will play the son of Idris Elba's marshall character as the events follow the first film in a world with monster-fighting robot suits to battle fearsome sea creatures.

"I am very proud and happy to welcome John into a fantastic sandbox," Guillermo Del Toro says in a statement. "The Pacific Rim universe will be reinforced with him as a leading man as it continues to be a multicultural, multi-layered world."

"'The World saving the world' was our goal and I couldn't think of a better man for the job."

Del Toro will not be directing or writing the second installment and will instead serve as producer. Steven S DeKnight, creator of the Starz series 'Spartacus', will direct.

The 'Pacific Rim' sequel has suffered its share of delays. It was originally slated for a 2017 release with Del Toro set to direct. However, it was pulled from the schedule before returning in its restructured format.